Just like that?
*
Chapter 20: Promises
*
**Thanks to my brilliant beta-reader: Snake_boi!!!**
*
The way back to the beach seemed to be much shorter. Maybe because deep down inside they didn't want to go there, maybe not.
They didn't speak, although the silence was unbearable. When Draco felt the sand underneath his feet he took in a sharp breath. The fact that he did not have a wand wasn't forgotten. From the edge of the forest they could see a big crowd of people standing not far from the house. Curses were flying through the air like fireworks.
Draco gazed down at Harry and saw that he was staring to the crowd with a determined look in his eyes. 'Of course he's been through this before.' Draco thought when a scared feeling rushed through his body.
Draco looked around. It was impossible to get to the crowd or the house unnoticed.
"You noticed it too." Harry whispered, looking up to Draco.
"What must we do?" Draco asked insecure. He did not like the situation they were in. They could stay here, but knowing Harry they wouldn't.
"Well, there's no way we can enter the house unnoticed. And there's absolutely no way I'm going to let you go into danger. You haven't got a wand, which means you'll have to stay hidden." Harry spoke protectively, making Draco feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
"Well, you're hurt and there's absolutely no way I'm going to let you join that fight in this condition." Draco answered sternly.
"But-"
"No, Harry," Draco interrupted, "I know I told you that we were going to fight, but on second thought. we aren't. Our side will do just fine without us."
Harry shot him a glare. "I want to get rid of Voldemort once and for all. If you really think I'm going to stay here, then you obviously don't know me well enough."
Draco sighed and looked away. "Harry, this is not the time to fight Voldemort. It just isn't. you're weak and you'll lose. I don't want you to lose, not because the world will be damned, I don't give a shit about that. But because I love you and I will not have killed because you're not thinking clear."
"I absolutely agree with you." A female voice said behind them.
Draco turned around wanting to grab a wand, but remembering he didn't have one and he was holding Harry. Harry on the other side grabbed his hand and pointed it to the lady, only to lower it right away.
"Tonks!" he almost shouted.
"Hey Harry! Nice to see you again, dear," she beamed. "I was ordered to find you in the forest, but obviously you didn't do what you were told to. Not that I mind. Why is that boy caring for you?"
"Because Harry's been hurt since Voldemort did that to him a week ago," Draco said, indicating Harry's battered from. "And my name is Draco M- Black."
"Draco Black?" Tonks asked in a surprised tone.
"Yes." Draco answered.
Harry kissed Draco on his cheek, smiling. "I never thought about that. You have your mother's name now!"
Tonks' eyes widened as she saw Harry kiss Draco and tried to suppress a giggle. "Well.eh. Harry let me look at you. As you know, Aurors need to know healing spells to heal themselves and others. So I think I can fix you up."
After being examined by and covered with spells, Harry was able to stand again. All the wounds were gone, although the scars remained. Tonks told him he would have to get them removed by a healer. Draco was watching them the whole time with a hurt expression on his face.
Draco saw Harry change from an injured, determined boy to a not injured, determined boy, with full strength. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the old beautiful, and not to forget innocent, Harry in front of him. The strength Harry was radiating was extraordinary.
When Harry turned to him, he looked away. He was ashamed, because somewhere deep inside him a voice was hoping that Tonks couldn't heal Harry and that Harry would stay with him. It wasn't a selfish thought, he knew it was because he loved Harry so much that he couldn't bare the idea of Harry fighting and he sitting there doing nothing. The thought that Harry might die was already driving him crazy. He didn't want to go through it again. The uncertainty he felt when he came on this island.
"What is it?" Harry asked quietly, walking up to him.
Draco felt like a fool, he was standing there. Hands in his pocket and looking at his shoes. He didn't know what to say, well he did, but he was too ashamed to do so. "Nothing," he murmured, not looking at Harry.
"Tonks, may I have a little time alone with Draco before we go into the fight?" Harry asked, making Tonks leave right away.
Draco suddenly felt something block his throat when he heard Harry confirm the thing he had feared.
"Dracy, what is it?" Harry asked again, slipping his arms around Draco's waist.
Draco was suddenly very interested in his fingernails and said nothing.
"You don't want me to go?" Harry guessed, grabbing Draco's chin and forcing him to look at him.
Draco snorted. "Obviously."
Harry smiled and sealed Draco's lips with his, before continuing. "And you don't want to stay here alone?"
Draco mock glared. "Well, it would be much more interesting if you would let me come with you."
"And you already know I'm not going to let you do that, love." Harry grinned, making Draco wonder how he could stay so cool about the subject. On the other hand he wasn't the one who's boyfriend was going into the battle of the century. He was the one with the boyfriend who was staying in the rain-forest eating himself away with doubt and fear.
"Well, I'm not going to let you go either." Draco said stubbornly.
"Do you really want to fight now?" Harry asked, looking deep into Draco's eyes.
Draco shook his head and pulled Harry into a hug. He knew that Harry would go anyway, even if he asked him not to. He was and would always be the Golden Boy. With courage you've never seen before.
"Oh Harry, why are you doing this to me?" Draco asked softly against Harry's neck.
"Because I have to." Harry answered, releasing Draco from the hug, but Draco clung to him. "I have to go, Dracy."
"No. no please. Don't leave me here. You know I hate forests and I hate to be alone. I don't want you to go Harry. I can't stand the fact that you might die. I don't want you to die. I don't want to live another day if you're not here with me." Draco begged, leaving Harry speechless for a while.
"Give me a kiss." Harry smiled weakly, when Draco had finally released him.
"Only if you promise to come back." Draco said, knowing Harry couldn't promise such a thing.
"I promise to come back for you and we'll live happily ever after." Harry promised, feeling his eyes get wetter by the second.
"And that we'll have loads of children." Draco continued.
"I promise we'll have loads of children and that you get to be mummy." Harry smiled.
"And that we'll live here until we're old and our children have children of their own." Draco said, taking it one step further.
"I promise that we'll live here until we're old and invite our grandchildren to come and stay for the holidays." Harry promised, while tears were making his sight blurry.
A satisfied Draco kissed Harry on his lips. His cold hands trailed up and down on Harry's bare back. For a few second Draco only nibbled on Harry's full red lips, slowly he started to increase the pressure on Harry's lips and entered Harry's mouth with his tongue.
Tasting once again the delicious flavour of Harry's mouth he sighed. They had shared a kiss like this in the forest before. It was one of those kisses that warmed you up inside, made you feel like you were on fire. Like it the only thing that was keeping you down was gravity. Without it you might be flying around. It released your soul.
When Draco entered Harry's boxers, Harry pulled away.
"Later." Harry said to the hurt-looking Draco.
Draco pouted and pulled his hands back.
"Dracy, I know I wouldn't be able to hold myself back much longer if you start doing things like that. Later, I promise." Harry smiled, walking away still holding Draco's hand. "Hide in the forest and please promise me you won't put yourself into danger."
"And that's coming from you." Draco said, putting his nose in the air.
"Draco! Promise!" Harry almost yelled.
"How will I know you won't die!" Draco yelled back.
"There are worse things than dying! I would have died if this battle had been earlier. But now I've got something to live for. Before you were in my life the reasons for staying were missing. I love you. I've got you to come back to." Harry said, walking to Tonks reluctantly.
"I love you too." Draco said, louder than needed. He watched Harry turn around and run to the house. Not looking back. With his head low, so the curses would not hit him too easily. To Draco's relieve everybody was too busy fighting to notice the two figures running for the shelter of the house. Suddenly Draco felt alone, Harry was gone. An uncomfortable feeling crept through his body when he turned around to hide behind one of the trees or bushes. Draco groaned and kicked the sand away, before sitting down. The forest behind him was cold and dark. The sand in front of him was warm but dangerous to cross.
The sun was slowly disappearing behind the horizon. It would soon be dark. The dark red sun made it difficult for Draco to see what was going on. He focussed his gaze on the crowd and noticed that some figures were already lying on the ground. It irritated him that he couldn't see whether the figures were Death Eaters or not. He lost track of Harry minutes ago. He found that it became harder to control himself from running over to the crowd to look. It would be plain suicide.
Meanwhile Harry was standing in front of a large crowd of people. He was getting nervous now, not for himself, but for Draco. Hoping Draco would really listen to him. He knew it seemed to be a bit unfair that Draco should stay behind and Harry was allowed, well, had to, fight. And he really didn't want to reverse the situation, but he still begged Draco mentally to stay where he was.
Harry spotted Dumbledore and more people from the Order. They were all fighting black hooded figures, without faces. They were all too covered up to see their identity. Which was a good thing, sometimes a face or name could hold you back from what you were intending to do. On the other side, you might kill a person you know under the Imperius Curse.
Having that thought in his mind, Harry decided not to kill anyone without knowing who it was.
"You have to be quick if you want to kill Voldemort this time." Tonks said behind him. "The dark side is losing this battle and will soon be gone again."
"Do you see him anywhere?" Harry asked her, while his heart was racing in his chest.
"He's fighting Dumbledore. He won't hold much longer and Dumbledore needs your help to destroy him. Don't worry Harry. The only thing you have to do is speak the curse. Dumbledore will make sure that Voldemort is hurt. Don't forget to block your mind as you go in." Tonks advised Harry. "I will watch your back. Just run straight to Dumbledore. Do not look around you."
Harry nodded, being unable to say anything. He hoped that he got his words back before he reached Voldemort. He would have to speak the Death Curse. He felt Tonks push him into the crowd softly. It was too late to go back, so he fixed his gaze on Dumbledore and ran. He felt as if he was running in slow-motion. Everything around him seemed to slow down. He saw that some wands were aimed at him, but the wands disappeared into air before they could speak any words. The Death Eaters were distracted by him and some of them lost their fight.
"Dumbledore." Harry panted, when he finally reached the old, but powerful wizard.
*
"I can't take this anymore. I can't. Harry's there. I'm here. And it's not fair!" Draco said to himself, making him feel as if he was going mad.
His gaze fixed on the crowd again and suddenly in a flash he saw someone hit the ground. Was it his Harry? He must have recognised Harry. Harry was only wearing a boxer.
He doubted the fact that he saw Harry, but he wasn't sure that he hadn't. He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. Did Harry really want him to stay here? Because if he did he would find a mad Draco when he came back.
'Think of Harry. eh happy things' Draco told himself.
"Crap!" Draco cursed when he saw two hooded men walk his way. Slowly he started to crawl into the forest. Not letting the figures out of his sight. The figures were talking to each other and looking behind every tree and bush. They were obviously looking for somebody. Draco, and maybe Harry.
Draco knew that he couldn't turn around and run into the forest. They would see him right away, even though the sun was gone it was still light. He didn't dare to move any further when they came too close. They would hear him and he would be dead, or worse, imprisoned. Suddenly Draco felt as if he had to go to the bathroom. Staying low, he heard them get closer and closer.
*~*
Harry turned to Voldemort and saw that Dumbledore was holding him under some kind of curse. He was sitting on his knees in the sand, not looking up. He was obviously trying to fight the curse.
"Harry Potter." Voldemort spoke sarcastically, looking up. "What a pleasure to meet you again. Although it isn't that special anymore. We've been meeting each other far too much."
"For once I totally agree with you." Harry spat, aiming his wand and ready to cast a curse. "I hope this is the last time I'll ever see you again."
"Oh, but it is. Potter. This is the last time you see any of your friends or enemies. The last thing you will see before things go black is me." Voldemort laughed hysterically.
Anger rushed through Harry's veins. "I don't think so." Harry yelled.
Harry could see the look in Dumbledore's eyes change and knew that the curse was lifted by Voldemort. He glanced around and saw that most of the Death Eaters and Aurors had stopped fighting to watch the duel between him and Voldemort. The duel that would save or damn the world.
"The time has come, Harry." Dumbledore said, stepping aside.
Suddenly Harry wondered why Dumbledore was leaving him alone to fight Voldemort, but then he remembered Dumbledore would never leave him alone.
"Potter, you know we weren't able to use our wands properly the last time we duelled. Therefore I've been so nice to chance my wand..." Voldemort spoke, obviously very amused by the attention they received.
"EXPELLIARMUS!" Harry yelled, not even replying.
Unfortunately Voldemort had expect the attack and rolled aside. Avoiding the curse.
"PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!" Harry yelled again, when Voldemort was trying to get up.
He missed once again and this time it was Voldemort who spoke a curse. "IMPEDIMENTA!"
Harry did not expect the curse to come so soon, for Voldemort was still trying to get up. Harry was knocked off is feet. He landed on the ground about 20 feet away. He couldn't see clear, his sight was blurred. His glasses were gone.
Panic started to take him over. He could see a figure coming his way and took in a sharp breath.
"Say goodbye Potter. AVADA K-"
When Harry heard the word. Images started to flash before his eyes. As if he was certain about the fact that he was going to die. Suddenly he remembered the promise he promised to Draco and his mind started to scream.
"STUPEFY!" Harry yelled, not even on his feet. He aimed not knowing if the figure he was aiming on was Voldemort. A red light flew towards the figure. As he rolled over to avoid the unfinished curse Voldemort was aiming at him. "Accio Glasses." Harry muttered, catching his glasses in his free hand. Quickly he put them on, to see who he had hit. To his relieve he saw he really did hit Voldemort. "PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!" He shouted not wanting Voldemort to throw the curse off him.
"Harry, DO IT!" Harry heard someone yell. It sounded like the voice of Remus. His heart started to beat rapidly. He knew he didn't get another chance. He had to speak those words now.
"AVADA KADEV-" Harry yelled, but a curse he did not expect hit him in his stomach. Once again Harry flew backwards. A nauseous feeling covered him. He failed. He had to try again, before one of the Death Eaters would lift the curse.
Clutching his stomach, he stood up and stumbled towards Voldemort again. He noticed that around him the Death Eaters and Aurors were fighting again.
This time Harry wanted nothing to stand in his way. He saw a Death Eater stand beside Voldemort and aimed his wand. "EXPELLIARMUS!"
A wand flew through the air, and Harry caught it, leaving the Death Eater wandless. "Step aside!" Harry ordered the Death Eater. Of course the Death Eater did not do such a thing. "Or I'll have to kill you too and don't worry, I will!" Harry added.
Apparently this had some effect. The Death Eater took one step backwards.
"PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!"
The Death Eater fell in the sand, unable to move an inch.
"Hello Harry." Remus greeted him quickly, not wanting to waste time. Walking with him to Voldemort, he said, "Harry, you must be quick. Do it now, you will not have another chance. Put all your anger in the curse, think of everyone who died because of him! Think -" A slight sob escaped Remus' lips "Think of Lilly and James, think of Diggory! Think of all the helpless people who have died because this MONSTER WAS ALOWED TO LIVE!!" Remus was shouting by the time he finished, so passionate was his speech
Harry aimed his wand at Voldemort and balled his fists. 'I must do this.'
He thought back to all the times he had regretted not having parents to comfort him: when he first went to Hogwarts, all the times the Slytherins had teased him for his orphanage. He thought about how furious he was that Voldemort had been allowed to torture Muggles unheeded, about the Muggles that were tortured at the Quidditch World Cup. Rage boiled up in Harry's senses, flooding his eyes with a crimson anger.
How dare Voldemort think he would get away with this monstrosity! The prick, the prick, Harry thought over and over to himself as he worked up his rage. Draco's mother, helpless Muggles, swooping Dementors -
At once it was too much. He needed a release for this deadly rage.
"AVADA KADEVRA" Harry roared with all the power and fierceness of a lion. Voldemort, who had been looking at him with a smug expression on his face, was now looking at him with terror in his eyes. He had risked this attack on the fact that Harry couldn't perform a Killing Curse. How wrong he was.
Green light blazed around Voldemort and the onlookers, and every single person in the area fell to their knees, reliving their darkest moments. Voldemort's lipless mouth opened wide and a keening wail was emitted from its depths. A wail of absolute despair as the killing curse battled with the immortalising spells in Voldemort's body.
The wail that Voldemort was making suddenly went up in pitch, and everybody was temporarily deafened. The wail faded, and the green blazing beacon of death faded too. When the light had completely disappeared, and people regained their senses to look up, they saw that Voldemort was not quite dead. Yet.
Voldemort's mouth was still open. His body was trembling, and the colour was draining from his body. His face was going from chalky white to pure white, like his hands and his eyes. The colour was draining from his hair and in a few seconds Voldemort, the dreaded Dark Lord for the last century, resembled a white statue. Harmless.
Finally he was gone.
*#*
Harry collapsed into the sand. The curse had sucked up all his energy. All he wanted to do was sleep.
"Well done, well done Harry." Dumbledore said, looking very proud. With his hand he squeezed Harry's shoulder.
Harry started to cry, he didn't know what else to do. Suddenly he realised that this huge pressure was gone. He needed someone to hold him now, someone he loved, Draco. He just killed Voldemort.
"Come, it's over." Dumbledore whispered.
Harry saw that Remus was standing next to Dumbledore and suddenly he felt very ashamed of the fact that he was crying.
Remus lifted the still crying Harry in the air like he was holding a baby. "It's over, Harry."
Harry nodded and buried his head in Remus' neck, completely surrendering to the care Remus was giving him. Remus and Dumbledore both walked to the house.
"Draco," Harry whispered.
"Well make sure Draco's alright." Dumbledore said, petting Harry's head.
"No, I want to go to him. I promised." Harry said, looking up to Remus.
Remus seemed to understand. "Where is he?" Remus asked, smiling slightly.
Harry realised Remus didn't know anything about his relationship with Draco. Maybe he did hear about it from Dumbledore, but he really seemed to find it very amusing.
"Over there in the forest," Harry whispered. "Is the fight over?"
"Yes. it's all over. The Death Eater's can't handle things without Voldemort telling them what to do. They're falling apart. They don't need us anymore." Dumbledore answered.
"Draco?" Harry yelled as they arrived at the spot Harry and Draco had said goodbye.
There came no respond.
"Draco?" Harry yelled a bit louder.
Again no response.
Remus decided to drop Harry, when Harry became a bit anxious.
Harry started to run into the forest. "DRACO!!" he yelled as hard as he could. "This isn't happening! Where is he? He promised to stay here and he's not! Oh God don't do this to me Draco. I can't take this. Draco! Come here. I can't live without you. You promised!"
"Harry?" a soft voice came behind a few bushes.
"Draco?" Harry stumbled towards the bushes and pushed them aside. Draco was lying there underneath some branches and covered with mud. If you looked closer you saw that his lips were blue from the cold and he was shivering like a mad man. "What happened?"
"Harry? You're not dead? Am I dead?" Draco asked, completely confused.
"No, everything is going to be fine." Harry whispered, kneeling down in front of Draco and pulling him into a hug. "Voldemort is gone."
"I was so scared. There were men coming. I had to hide. I thought that you were dead." Draco muttered into Harry's hair.
"Let's go inside. You're cold as ice." Harry said, kissing Draco's cheek. "Did you know that you smell?"
"I do not smell." Draco said indignantly. While both of them stood up.
They hadn't noticed that Dumbledore and Remus were looking at them in awe.
"I think you two should rest. We'll celebrate this tomorrow." Dumbledore smiled with his familiar twinkle in his eyes. Remus took off his cloak and gave it to Harry.
Harry smiled his thanks and covered himself and Draco with the warm cloak. The four of them made their way back to the warm house.
The fighting had stopped and the beach was covered with people, forcing the Death Eaters to walk with them to the sea, so they could apparate to the Ministry.
"A good thing about this island is that we finally managed to catch all the Death Eaters. For they couldn't apparate when their Master was killed." Dumbledore informed them.
But frankly both of the boys didn't care. They both wanted to crawl into a nice warm bed and snuggle up against each other.
They arrived at the house where loads of people were waiting for Harry. To congratulate him. Harry sighed he didn't feel like talking to all those people. He just wanted to be alone with his lover.
Luckily Remus seemed to understand this and escorted them into the house, while Dumbledore made his way to the crowd.
*#*
That's it for now. This is NOT the end. There will be two more chapters. One about the upcoming night *grins wickedly* (you all know what's going to happen..) and the other one is still a surprise. It has got something to do with the promises Harry made.I shouldn't have told ye that! I think you already knew it was going to end like this. I just HAD to have a happy ending. I'm not that cruel! Please review! I'm addicted to them. MadLuv, Black Elf
Thanks everyone who offered to be my beta-reader. I really appreciate it!
*
Chapter 20: Promises
*
**Thanks to my brilliant beta-reader: Snake_boi!!!**
*
The way back to the beach seemed to be much shorter. Maybe because deep down inside they didn't want to go there, maybe not.
They didn't speak, although the silence was unbearable. When Draco felt the sand underneath his feet he took in a sharp breath. The fact that he did not have a wand wasn't forgotten. From the edge of the forest they could see a big crowd of people standing not far from the house. Curses were flying through the air like fireworks.
Draco gazed down at Harry and saw that he was staring to the crowd with a determined look in his eyes. 'Of course he's been through this before.' Draco thought when a scared feeling rushed through his body.
Draco looked around. It was impossible to get to the crowd or the house unnoticed.
"You noticed it too." Harry whispered, looking up to Draco.
"What must we do?" Draco asked insecure. He did not like the situation they were in. They could stay here, but knowing Harry they wouldn't.
"Well, there's no way we can enter the house unnoticed. And there's absolutely no way I'm going to let you go into danger. You haven't got a wand, which means you'll have to stay hidden." Harry spoke protectively, making Draco feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
"Well, you're hurt and there's absolutely no way I'm going to let you join that fight in this condition." Draco answered sternly.
"But-"
"No, Harry," Draco interrupted, "I know I told you that we were going to fight, but on second thought. we aren't. Our side will do just fine without us."
Harry shot him a glare. "I want to get rid of Voldemort once and for all. If you really think I'm going to stay here, then you obviously don't know me well enough."
Draco sighed and looked away. "Harry, this is not the time to fight Voldemort. It just isn't. you're weak and you'll lose. I don't want you to lose, not because the world will be damned, I don't give a shit about that. But because I love you and I will not have killed because you're not thinking clear."
"I absolutely agree with you." A female voice said behind them.
Draco turned around wanting to grab a wand, but remembering he didn't have one and he was holding Harry. Harry on the other side grabbed his hand and pointed it to the lady, only to lower it right away.
"Tonks!" he almost shouted.
"Hey Harry! Nice to see you again, dear," she beamed. "I was ordered to find you in the forest, but obviously you didn't do what you were told to. Not that I mind. Why is that boy caring for you?"
"Because Harry's been hurt since Voldemort did that to him a week ago," Draco said, indicating Harry's battered from. "And my name is Draco M- Black."
"Draco Black?" Tonks asked in a surprised tone.
"Yes." Draco answered.
Harry kissed Draco on his cheek, smiling. "I never thought about that. You have your mother's name now!"
Tonks' eyes widened as she saw Harry kiss Draco and tried to suppress a giggle. "Well.eh. Harry let me look at you. As you know, Aurors need to know healing spells to heal themselves and others. So I think I can fix you up."
After being examined by and covered with spells, Harry was able to stand again. All the wounds were gone, although the scars remained. Tonks told him he would have to get them removed by a healer. Draco was watching them the whole time with a hurt expression on his face.
Draco saw Harry change from an injured, determined boy to a not injured, determined boy, with full strength. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the old beautiful, and not to forget innocent, Harry in front of him. The strength Harry was radiating was extraordinary.
When Harry turned to him, he looked away. He was ashamed, because somewhere deep inside him a voice was hoping that Tonks couldn't heal Harry and that Harry would stay with him. It wasn't a selfish thought, he knew it was because he loved Harry so much that he couldn't bare the idea of Harry fighting and he sitting there doing nothing. The thought that Harry might die was already driving him crazy. He didn't want to go through it again. The uncertainty he felt when he came on this island.
"What is it?" Harry asked quietly, walking up to him.
Draco felt like a fool, he was standing there. Hands in his pocket and looking at his shoes. He didn't know what to say, well he did, but he was too ashamed to do so. "Nothing," he murmured, not looking at Harry.
"Tonks, may I have a little time alone with Draco before we go into the fight?" Harry asked, making Tonks leave right away.
Draco suddenly felt something block his throat when he heard Harry confirm the thing he had feared.
"Dracy, what is it?" Harry asked again, slipping his arms around Draco's waist.
Draco was suddenly very interested in his fingernails and said nothing.
"You don't want me to go?" Harry guessed, grabbing Draco's chin and forcing him to look at him.
Draco snorted. "Obviously."
Harry smiled and sealed Draco's lips with his, before continuing. "And you don't want to stay here alone?"
Draco mock glared. "Well, it would be much more interesting if you would let me come with you."
"And you already know I'm not going to let you do that, love." Harry grinned, making Draco wonder how he could stay so cool about the subject. On the other hand he wasn't the one who's boyfriend was going into the battle of the century. He was the one with the boyfriend who was staying in the rain-forest eating himself away with doubt and fear.
"Well, I'm not going to let you go either." Draco said stubbornly.
"Do you really want to fight now?" Harry asked, looking deep into Draco's eyes.
Draco shook his head and pulled Harry into a hug. He knew that Harry would go anyway, even if he asked him not to. He was and would always be the Golden Boy. With courage you've never seen before.
"Oh Harry, why are you doing this to me?" Draco asked softly against Harry's neck.
"Because I have to." Harry answered, releasing Draco from the hug, but Draco clung to him. "I have to go, Dracy."
"No. no please. Don't leave me here. You know I hate forests and I hate to be alone. I don't want you to go Harry. I can't stand the fact that you might die. I don't want you to die. I don't want to live another day if you're not here with me." Draco begged, leaving Harry speechless for a while.
"Give me a kiss." Harry smiled weakly, when Draco had finally released him.
"Only if you promise to come back." Draco said, knowing Harry couldn't promise such a thing.
"I promise to come back for you and we'll live happily ever after." Harry promised, feeling his eyes get wetter by the second.
"And that we'll have loads of children." Draco continued.
"I promise we'll have loads of children and that you get to be mummy." Harry smiled.
"And that we'll live here until we're old and our children have children of their own." Draco said, taking it one step further.
"I promise that we'll live here until we're old and invite our grandchildren to come and stay for the holidays." Harry promised, while tears were making his sight blurry.
A satisfied Draco kissed Harry on his lips. His cold hands trailed up and down on Harry's bare back. For a few second Draco only nibbled on Harry's full red lips, slowly he started to increase the pressure on Harry's lips and entered Harry's mouth with his tongue.
Tasting once again the delicious flavour of Harry's mouth he sighed. They had shared a kiss like this in the forest before. It was one of those kisses that warmed you up inside, made you feel like you were on fire. Like it the only thing that was keeping you down was gravity. Without it you might be flying around. It released your soul.
When Draco entered Harry's boxers, Harry pulled away.
"Later." Harry said to the hurt-looking Draco.
Draco pouted and pulled his hands back.
"Dracy, I know I wouldn't be able to hold myself back much longer if you start doing things like that. Later, I promise." Harry smiled, walking away still holding Draco's hand. "Hide in the forest and please promise me you won't put yourself into danger."
"And that's coming from you." Draco said, putting his nose in the air.
"Draco! Promise!" Harry almost yelled.
"How will I know you won't die!" Draco yelled back.
"There are worse things than dying! I would have died if this battle had been earlier. But now I've got something to live for. Before you were in my life the reasons for staying were missing. I love you. I've got you to come back to." Harry said, walking to Tonks reluctantly.
"I love you too." Draco said, louder than needed. He watched Harry turn around and run to the house. Not looking back. With his head low, so the curses would not hit him too easily. To Draco's relieve everybody was too busy fighting to notice the two figures running for the shelter of the house. Suddenly Draco felt alone, Harry was gone. An uncomfortable feeling crept through his body when he turned around to hide behind one of the trees or bushes. Draco groaned and kicked the sand away, before sitting down. The forest behind him was cold and dark. The sand in front of him was warm but dangerous to cross.
The sun was slowly disappearing behind the horizon. It would soon be dark. The dark red sun made it difficult for Draco to see what was going on. He focussed his gaze on the crowd and noticed that some figures were already lying on the ground. It irritated him that he couldn't see whether the figures were Death Eaters or not. He lost track of Harry minutes ago. He found that it became harder to control himself from running over to the crowd to look. It would be plain suicide.
Meanwhile Harry was standing in front of a large crowd of people. He was getting nervous now, not for himself, but for Draco. Hoping Draco would really listen to him. He knew it seemed to be a bit unfair that Draco should stay behind and Harry was allowed, well, had to, fight. And he really didn't want to reverse the situation, but he still begged Draco mentally to stay where he was.
Harry spotted Dumbledore and more people from the Order. They were all fighting black hooded figures, without faces. They were all too covered up to see their identity. Which was a good thing, sometimes a face or name could hold you back from what you were intending to do. On the other side, you might kill a person you know under the Imperius Curse.
Having that thought in his mind, Harry decided not to kill anyone without knowing who it was.
"You have to be quick if you want to kill Voldemort this time." Tonks said behind him. "The dark side is losing this battle and will soon be gone again."
"Do you see him anywhere?" Harry asked her, while his heart was racing in his chest.
"He's fighting Dumbledore. He won't hold much longer and Dumbledore needs your help to destroy him. Don't worry Harry. The only thing you have to do is speak the curse. Dumbledore will make sure that Voldemort is hurt. Don't forget to block your mind as you go in." Tonks advised Harry. "I will watch your back. Just run straight to Dumbledore. Do not look around you."
Harry nodded, being unable to say anything. He hoped that he got his words back before he reached Voldemort. He would have to speak the Death Curse. He felt Tonks push him into the crowd softly. It was too late to go back, so he fixed his gaze on Dumbledore and ran. He felt as if he was running in slow-motion. Everything around him seemed to slow down. He saw that some wands were aimed at him, but the wands disappeared into air before they could speak any words. The Death Eaters were distracted by him and some of them lost their fight.
"Dumbledore." Harry panted, when he finally reached the old, but powerful wizard.
*
"I can't take this anymore. I can't. Harry's there. I'm here. And it's not fair!" Draco said to himself, making him feel as if he was going mad.
His gaze fixed on the crowd again and suddenly in a flash he saw someone hit the ground. Was it his Harry? He must have recognised Harry. Harry was only wearing a boxer.
He doubted the fact that he saw Harry, but he wasn't sure that he hadn't. He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. Did Harry really want him to stay here? Because if he did he would find a mad Draco when he came back.
'Think of Harry. eh happy things' Draco told himself.
"Crap!" Draco cursed when he saw two hooded men walk his way. Slowly he started to crawl into the forest. Not letting the figures out of his sight. The figures were talking to each other and looking behind every tree and bush. They were obviously looking for somebody. Draco, and maybe Harry.
Draco knew that he couldn't turn around and run into the forest. They would see him right away, even though the sun was gone it was still light. He didn't dare to move any further when they came too close. They would hear him and he would be dead, or worse, imprisoned. Suddenly Draco felt as if he had to go to the bathroom. Staying low, he heard them get closer and closer.
*~*
Harry turned to Voldemort and saw that Dumbledore was holding him under some kind of curse. He was sitting on his knees in the sand, not looking up. He was obviously trying to fight the curse.
"Harry Potter." Voldemort spoke sarcastically, looking up. "What a pleasure to meet you again. Although it isn't that special anymore. We've been meeting each other far too much."
"For once I totally agree with you." Harry spat, aiming his wand and ready to cast a curse. "I hope this is the last time I'll ever see you again."
"Oh, but it is. Potter. This is the last time you see any of your friends or enemies. The last thing you will see before things go black is me." Voldemort laughed hysterically.
Anger rushed through Harry's veins. "I don't think so." Harry yelled.
Harry could see the look in Dumbledore's eyes change and knew that the curse was lifted by Voldemort. He glanced around and saw that most of the Death Eaters and Aurors had stopped fighting to watch the duel between him and Voldemort. The duel that would save or damn the world.
"The time has come, Harry." Dumbledore said, stepping aside.
Suddenly Harry wondered why Dumbledore was leaving him alone to fight Voldemort, but then he remembered Dumbledore would never leave him alone.
"Potter, you know we weren't able to use our wands properly the last time we duelled. Therefore I've been so nice to chance my wand..." Voldemort spoke, obviously very amused by the attention they received.
"EXPELLIARMUS!" Harry yelled, not even replying.
Unfortunately Voldemort had expect the attack and rolled aside. Avoiding the curse.
"PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!" Harry yelled again, when Voldemort was trying to get up.
He missed once again and this time it was Voldemort who spoke a curse. "IMPEDIMENTA!"
Harry did not expect the curse to come so soon, for Voldemort was still trying to get up. Harry was knocked off is feet. He landed on the ground about 20 feet away. He couldn't see clear, his sight was blurred. His glasses were gone.
Panic started to take him over. He could see a figure coming his way and took in a sharp breath.
"Say goodbye Potter. AVADA K-"
When Harry heard the word. Images started to flash before his eyes. As if he was certain about the fact that he was going to die. Suddenly he remembered the promise he promised to Draco and his mind started to scream.
"STUPEFY!" Harry yelled, not even on his feet. He aimed not knowing if the figure he was aiming on was Voldemort. A red light flew towards the figure. As he rolled over to avoid the unfinished curse Voldemort was aiming at him. "Accio Glasses." Harry muttered, catching his glasses in his free hand. Quickly he put them on, to see who he had hit. To his relieve he saw he really did hit Voldemort. "PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!" He shouted not wanting Voldemort to throw the curse off him.
"Harry, DO IT!" Harry heard someone yell. It sounded like the voice of Remus. His heart started to beat rapidly. He knew he didn't get another chance. He had to speak those words now.
"AVADA KADEV-" Harry yelled, but a curse he did not expect hit him in his stomach. Once again Harry flew backwards. A nauseous feeling covered him. He failed. He had to try again, before one of the Death Eaters would lift the curse.
Clutching his stomach, he stood up and stumbled towards Voldemort again. He noticed that around him the Death Eaters and Aurors were fighting again.
This time Harry wanted nothing to stand in his way. He saw a Death Eater stand beside Voldemort and aimed his wand. "EXPELLIARMUS!"
A wand flew through the air, and Harry caught it, leaving the Death Eater wandless. "Step aside!" Harry ordered the Death Eater. Of course the Death Eater did not do such a thing. "Or I'll have to kill you too and don't worry, I will!" Harry added.
Apparently this had some effect. The Death Eater took one step backwards.
"PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!"
The Death Eater fell in the sand, unable to move an inch.
"Hello Harry." Remus greeted him quickly, not wanting to waste time. Walking with him to Voldemort, he said, "Harry, you must be quick. Do it now, you will not have another chance. Put all your anger in the curse, think of everyone who died because of him! Think -" A slight sob escaped Remus' lips "Think of Lilly and James, think of Diggory! Think of all the helpless people who have died because this MONSTER WAS ALOWED TO LIVE!!" Remus was shouting by the time he finished, so passionate was his speech
Harry aimed his wand at Voldemort and balled his fists. 'I must do this.'
He thought back to all the times he had regretted not having parents to comfort him: when he first went to Hogwarts, all the times the Slytherins had teased him for his orphanage. He thought about how furious he was that Voldemort had been allowed to torture Muggles unheeded, about the Muggles that were tortured at the Quidditch World Cup. Rage boiled up in Harry's senses, flooding his eyes with a crimson anger.
How dare Voldemort think he would get away with this monstrosity! The prick, the prick, Harry thought over and over to himself as he worked up his rage. Draco's mother, helpless Muggles, swooping Dementors -
At once it was too much. He needed a release for this deadly rage.
"AVADA KADEVRA" Harry roared with all the power and fierceness of a lion. Voldemort, who had been looking at him with a smug expression on his face, was now looking at him with terror in his eyes. He had risked this attack on the fact that Harry couldn't perform a Killing Curse. How wrong he was.
Green light blazed around Voldemort and the onlookers, and every single person in the area fell to their knees, reliving their darkest moments. Voldemort's lipless mouth opened wide and a keening wail was emitted from its depths. A wail of absolute despair as the killing curse battled with the immortalising spells in Voldemort's body.
The wail that Voldemort was making suddenly went up in pitch, and everybody was temporarily deafened. The wail faded, and the green blazing beacon of death faded too. When the light had completely disappeared, and people regained their senses to look up, they saw that Voldemort was not quite dead. Yet.
Voldemort's mouth was still open. His body was trembling, and the colour was draining from his body. His face was going from chalky white to pure white, like his hands and his eyes. The colour was draining from his hair and in a few seconds Voldemort, the dreaded Dark Lord for the last century, resembled a white statue. Harmless.
Finally he was gone.
*#*
Harry collapsed into the sand. The curse had sucked up all his energy. All he wanted to do was sleep.
"Well done, well done Harry." Dumbledore said, looking very proud. With his hand he squeezed Harry's shoulder.
Harry started to cry, he didn't know what else to do. Suddenly he realised that this huge pressure was gone. He needed someone to hold him now, someone he loved, Draco. He just killed Voldemort.
"Come, it's over." Dumbledore whispered.
Harry saw that Remus was standing next to Dumbledore and suddenly he felt very ashamed of the fact that he was crying.
Remus lifted the still crying Harry in the air like he was holding a baby. "It's over, Harry."
Harry nodded and buried his head in Remus' neck, completely surrendering to the care Remus was giving him. Remus and Dumbledore both walked to the house.
"Draco," Harry whispered.
"Well make sure Draco's alright." Dumbledore said, petting Harry's head.
"No, I want to go to him. I promised." Harry said, looking up to Remus.
Remus seemed to understand. "Where is he?" Remus asked, smiling slightly.
Harry realised Remus didn't know anything about his relationship with Draco. Maybe he did hear about it from Dumbledore, but he really seemed to find it very amusing.
"Over there in the forest," Harry whispered. "Is the fight over?"
"Yes. it's all over. The Death Eater's can't handle things without Voldemort telling them what to do. They're falling apart. They don't need us anymore." Dumbledore answered.
"Draco?" Harry yelled as they arrived at the spot Harry and Draco had said goodbye.
There came no respond.
"Draco?" Harry yelled a bit louder.
Again no response.
Remus decided to drop Harry, when Harry became a bit anxious.
Harry started to run into the forest. "DRACO!!" he yelled as hard as he could. "This isn't happening! Where is he? He promised to stay here and he's not! Oh God don't do this to me Draco. I can't take this. Draco! Come here. I can't live without you. You promised!"
"Harry?" a soft voice came behind a few bushes.
"Draco?" Harry stumbled towards the bushes and pushed them aside. Draco was lying there underneath some branches and covered with mud. If you looked closer you saw that his lips were blue from the cold and he was shivering like a mad man. "What happened?"
"Harry? You're not dead? Am I dead?" Draco asked, completely confused.
"No, everything is going to be fine." Harry whispered, kneeling down in front of Draco and pulling him into a hug. "Voldemort is gone."
"I was so scared. There were men coming. I had to hide. I thought that you were dead." Draco muttered into Harry's hair.
"Let's go inside. You're cold as ice." Harry said, kissing Draco's cheek. "Did you know that you smell?"
"I do not smell." Draco said indignantly. While both of them stood up.
They hadn't noticed that Dumbledore and Remus were looking at them in awe.
"I think you two should rest. We'll celebrate this tomorrow." Dumbledore smiled with his familiar twinkle in his eyes. Remus took off his cloak and gave it to Harry.
Harry smiled his thanks and covered himself and Draco with the warm cloak. The four of them made their way back to the warm house.
The fighting had stopped and the beach was covered with people, forcing the Death Eaters to walk with them to the sea, so they could apparate to the Ministry.
"A good thing about this island is that we finally managed to catch all the Death Eaters. For they couldn't apparate when their Master was killed." Dumbledore informed them.
But frankly both of the boys didn't care. They both wanted to crawl into a nice warm bed and snuggle up against each other.
They arrived at the house where loads of people were waiting for Harry. To congratulate him. Harry sighed he didn't feel like talking to all those people. He just wanted to be alone with his lover.
Luckily Remus seemed to understand this and escorted them into the house, while Dumbledore made his way to the crowd.
*#*
That's it for now. This is NOT the end. There will be two more chapters. One about the upcoming night *grins wickedly* (you all know what's going to happen..) and the other one is still a surprise. It has got something to do with the promises Harry made.I shouldn't have told ye that! I think you already knew it was going to end like this. I just HAD to have a happy ending. I'm not that cruel! Please review! I'm addicted to them. MadLuv, Black Elf
Thanks everyone who offered to be my beta-reader. I really appreciate it!